Five Canadian business stories to watch this week

Air Canada earnings

Air Canada discusses first-quarter results on Monday. The Montreal-based carrier recently took advantage of labour uncertainty at rival WestJet with a suggestion that it is ready to pick up the slack in the event that WestJet's pilots walk off the job.

Economic snapshot

Statistics Canada releases the latest gross domestic product report from February on Tuesday. The previous report for January showed that the Canadian economy contracted 0.1 per cent, hurt by unscheduled maintenance shutdowns in the oilpatch and weakness in the real estate sector following mortgage rule changes.

BCE update

Telecom and media giant BCE Inc. discusses first-quarter results on Thursday. Both BCE and rival Rogers Communications recently increased their monthly internet prices, a move they say is justified by the investments they're making in their networks.

Canada's Toys "R" Us saviour

Insurance and investment company Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. releases first-quarter results on Thursday. President Paul Rivett said last week that its plans for Toys "R" Us are not limited to Canada, as it is exploring options to keep a foothold in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Canada's other energy export

Wood pellet manufacturer Pinnacle Renewable Holdings Inc. discusses first-quarter results on Thursday. The company is one of Canada's biggest players in an industry that is projected to see massive growth due to global demand for a carbon-neutral energy source to replace coal.